Creation and Nature Metaphors
These often symbolize God's power, human frailty, or spiritual processes.
| Metaphor/Symbol | Represents | Links Within the Bible | Bible References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow | God's covenant and promise of mercy after judgment | Links to Flood (judgment), Throne (God's glory), New creation (renewal) | Genesis 9:13; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3 |
| Stairway/Ladder | The way or access to God; mediation between heaven and earth | Links to Jesus (fulfillment as mediator), Angels (messengers), Heaven (destination) | Genesis 28:11-13; John 1:51 |
| Pillar of Cloud and Fire | Divine guidance and protection | Links to Exodus (deliverance), Holy Spirit (presence), Light (truth) | Exodus 13:21 |
| Grass | Human frailty and transience of life | Links to Flowers (fading beauty), Dust (mortality), Word of God (enduring contrast) | Psalm 90:5-6; 1 Peter 1:24; Isaiah 40:6-8 |
| Clay and Potter | Humanity as molded by God; divine sovereignty over creation | Links to Father (God as creator), New creation (transformation), Vessel (purpose) | Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6; Romans 9:20-21 |
| Mustard Seed | Small beginnings leading to great growth; the Kingdom of God | Links to Faith (growth), Tree (maturity), Parables (kingdom illustrations) | Matthew 13:31-32; Mark 4:30-32; Luke 13:18-19 |
| Seed (general) | Reproduction of spiritual life; the Word of God implanted | Links to Sower (preaching), Harvest (judgment/fruition), Imperishable seed (eternal life) | 1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 13:3-9; Luke 8:4-8 |
| Vine and Branches | Union with Christ; dependence for fruitfulness | Links to Fruit (good works), Pruning (discipline), Abiding (faith) | John 15:1-5 |
| Salt of the Earth | Believers' preserving and flavoring influence in the world | Links to Covenant (permanence), Judgment (if lost), Light (paired role) | Matthew 5:13 |
| Fountain of Life | Source of wisdom, sustenance, or eternal life | Links to Water (spiritual refreshment), Word of God (teaching), Holy Spirit (flow) | Proverbs 13:14; John 4:14; Revelation 21:6 |
| Drop in a Bucket | Insignificance of nations or efforts before God | Links to Scales (judgment), Dust (frailty), Nations (under God's rule) | Isaiah 40:15 |
Judgment and Conflict Metaphors
These emphasize divine justice, spiritual warfare, or consequences.
| Metaphor/Symbol | Represents | Links Within the Bible | Bible References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire & Brimstone | Divine judgment and destruction | Links to Sodom/Gomorrah (example), Lake of fire (eternal punishment), Purification (refining) | Genesis 19:24; Revelation 20:10; Psalm 11:6 |
| Arrows | God's judgments or afflictions | Links to Bow (divine power), Quiver (stored wrath), Enemies (targeted) | Psalm 38:2; Psalm 120:4; Deuteronomy 32:23 |
| Sceptre | God's rule and authority | Links to King (Christ's reign), Iron rod (judgment), Throne (glory) | Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 19:15 |
| Hammer | The Word of God shattering resistance | Links to Rock (hard hearts), Fire (consuming paired), Judgment (breaking) | Jeremiah 23:29 |
| Two-Edged Sword | The piercing, discerning power of God's Word | Links to Judgment (division), Mouth of Christ (authority), Armor (spiritual warfare) | Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Ephesians 6:17 |
| Locusts | Plagues or God's judgment | Links to Plagues of Egypt (deliverance), Apocalypse (end times), Army (invasion) | Exodus 10:12; Joel 1:4; Revelation 9:3 |
| Beasts | Earthly kingdoms or anti-God powers | Links to Dragon (Satan), Horns (authority), End times (opposition to God) | Daniel 7:2-7; Daniel 8:20-22; Revelation 13:1-2 |
| Feet of Clay | Hidden flaws or instability in power | Links to Statue (empires), Fall (downfall), Idols (false strength) | Daniel 2:31-33 |
| Writing on the Wall | Imminent doom or divine warning | Links to Judgment (weighed and found wanting), Hand (God's intervention), Feast (false security) | Daniel 5:5-6 |
| Scapegoat | Bearing sins away; substitution | Links to Atonement (Day of Atonement), Wilderness (removal), Jesus (fulfillment) | Leviticus 16:20-22 |
| Harvesting | Judgment day or reaping consequences | Links to Wheat/Tares (separation), Sickle (gathering), End times (finality) | Joel 3:12-13; Matthew 13:29-30; Revelation 14:15 |
Spiritual Guidance and Identity Metaphors
These relate to God's character, the believer's role, or divine revelation.
| Metaphor/Symbol | Represents | Links Within the Bible | Bible References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamp/Light to Path | God's Word as guidance in darkness | Links to Feet (direction), Word (illumination), Salvation (path to life) | Psalm 119:105 |
| Mirror | God's Word revealing true self | Links to Self-examination (introspection), Transformation (renewal), Law (standard) | James 1:23 |
| Milk | Nourishing foundational truth of God's Word | Links to Growth (spiritual maturity), Babies (new believers), Meat (advanced teaching) | 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:12-13 |
| Alpha and Omega | God/Jesus as beginning and end; completeness | Links to First/Last (eternity), Creation (origin), End times (fulfillment) | Revelation 1:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:13 |
| Lion of Judah | Jesus' royal strength and victory | Links to Tribe of Judah (lineage), Lamb (contrast in sacrifice), Conqueror (triumph) | Genesis 49:9; Revelation 5:5 |
| Root of Jesse | Jesus as descendant and source of life | Links to Branch (growth), David (lineage), Banner (rallying point) | Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12 |
| Good Shepherd | Jesus as protector and guide | Links to Sheep (followers), Door (entry to safety), Sacrifice (lays down life) | Psalm 23:1; John 10:11; Ezekiel 34:15-16 |
| Hen and Chicks | God's protective care | Links to Jerusalem (gathering), Wings (shelter), Motherly love (compassion) | Matthew 23:37; Psalm 91:4 |
| Pearl of Great Price | The Kingdom of God as invaluable treasure | Links to Merchant (seeker), Selling all (total commitment), Hidden treasure (discovery) | Matthew 13:45-46 |
| Hidden Treasure | The Kingdom's worth, worth sacrificing for | Links to Field (world), Joy (finding), Selling all (commitment) | Matthew 13:44 |
| Wheat and Tares | Separation of righteous and wicked at judgment | Links to Field (world), Harvest (end times), Burning (punishment) | Matthew 13:24-30 |
| Dry Bones | Spiritual death and revival | Links to Valley (desolation), Breath (Spirit's life), Resurrection (restoration) | Ezekiel 37:1-11 |
| Circumcision | Covenant sign; spiritual removal of sin nature (circumcision of the heart) | Links to Abrahamic covenant (physical sign), New Covenant (spiritual fulfillment), Baptism (NT parallel for cleansing) | Genesis 17:10-14; Deuteronomy 10:16; Romans 2:28-29; Colossians 2:11-12 |
Other Metaphors (Actions, States, and Misc.)
These include symbolic actions or states not covered.
| Metaphor/Symbol | Represents | Links Within the Bible | Bible References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forbidden Fruit | Temptation and disobedience | Links to Tree of Knowledge (choice), Fall (consequences), Sin (entry) | Genesis 2:16-17; Genesis 3:6 |
| Golden Calf | Idolatry and false worship | Links to Exodus (rebellion), Aaron (leadership failure), Judgment (destruction) | Exodus 32:4 |
| Capstone/Cornerstone | Christ's pre-eminence and foundation | Links to Builders (rejection), Rock (stability), Stumbling stone (offense) | Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:6-7 |
| Signet Ring | Authority and sealing | Links to King (delegation), Adoption (sonship), Holy Spirit (seal) | Esther 8:10; Haggai 2:23; Ephesians 1:13 |
| Stars and Lampstands | God's ministers or churches | Links to Angels (messengers), Light (witness), Seven (completeness) | Revelation 1:20 |
| Baptism | Union with Christ's death and resurrection; salvation | Links to Water (cleansing), Burial (dying to sin), New life (resurrection) | Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21 |
| Lord's Supper | Communion with Christ; remembrance of sacrifice | Links to Bread/Wine (body/blood), Covenant (new), Unity (one body) | Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 |
| Anointing (action) | Empowerment by the Spirit | Links to Oil (symbol), Kings/Priests (calling), Healing (restoration) | 1 Samuel 16:13; Luke 4:18 |
| Sackcloth and Ashes | Repentance and mourning | Links to Dust (humility), Fasting (sorrow), Judgment (averted) | Jonah 3:5-6; Matthew 11:21 |
| White Hair | Wisdom and purity | Links to Ancient of Days (God), Crown (glory), Age (honor) | Daniel 7:9; Revelation 1:14 |